Lonnie Bert Stark was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 20, 1956 to Don & Betty Stark. After fighting cancer for several months, The Lord took him on June 23, 2020.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Amber Stark, and his father, Don Wendell Stark.

He is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Nichole Watts, brothers & sisters-in-law Alan & Judy Stark, Rick & Johna Stark, and Brent & Joi Stark; sisters-in-law Sandra & Connie Deaton; brother-in-law Shawn Stamper; son-in-law Billy Watts; grandson Tobias Jaurigue; granddaughters Tabitha Jaurigue & Katie Watts; nieces Casey Cunningham, Amber Stark, Alydia Stark; nephews Jason Stark, Tait Cunningham.

Lonnie served in the Army as a Private First Class specializing in logistics from 1973 to 1975.

He was often referred to as a Teddy Bear or Gentle Giant. He was a very gifted musician who played lead guitar, and sang vocals for the bands Desert Rose, Whiskey Mountain Band, Eazy, and the Silver Saddle Night Riders. He loved to laugh, to play, discuss, or occasionally debate all things related to music. His taste in music was diverse – he loved to play the blues, rock, pop, and country. He could play just about any song by ear if he heard it one time.

In 2000, Lonnie met Debbie Deaton, the love of his life. In 2002, Debbie and Lonnie were married in Des Moines, Iowa. He was a wonderful husband who cherished his bride, and would have done anything in the world for her. He continually said her support, love, and encouragement helped him get through the tough times, and prolonged his life.

He taught us kindness, humility, generosity, and most notably tolerance and forgiveness - qualities the world always needs, but especially now. He was a prime example of unconditional love for everyone, regardless of our innate human brokenness, and character flaws. He was always thankful and grateful for the family and friends he had. He stayed in contact by phone with nearly all of his friends and relatives by phone, when many of us in this day let the chaotic world pull us away from the ties that bind. Aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, brothers – could expect his weekly calls to check in on how everyone was doing in their respective family. He ended every call expressing his love along with a "God bless you".

He remained positive and optimistic throughout his life, despite battling afflictions and conditions that were difficult for the medical field to treat effectively. He faced life's many challenges with a pure heart, and faith in The Lord Christ who he relied upon all of his days. He was his brothers' hero, and a prime example of the power of faith to all who knew him. His tribulations never altered his faith, or his love of family and friends.

His heart of gold, his music, his guttural infectious laugh, his teddy bear hugs, and his weekly phone calls will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. We are all better people for the privilege of having had him in our lives.

We will have a celebration of his life at a venue and time/date to be determined, when it can be held safely for those who may attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to support his family at the following address: Checks to; Ellen Benham (in memory of Lonnie Stark), 36 Sandstone, Galena MO 65656, or via Venmo: Ellen Benham @EBenham.

Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane, MO.